Here's an answer to the first part of your question.
When e-mails are being scanned the blue "A" ball in the systray should rotate. But before Avast will scan your e-mails it is necessary first to run the Mail Protection Wizard ( Start/Programs/ avast!Antivirus/Mail Protection Wizard).
For more specific confirmation right-click the "A" ball and select "On Access Protection Control". Double-click the Internet Mail icon, select the Advanced tab, and then check the "Show detailed info on performed action" box. You will now get a pop-up showing the name of the e-mail that is being scanned.
The same can be done for confirmation of scanning other general files, after double-clicking the "Standard Shield" icon.
As for Hotmail I will hand ovoer to someone else. It has often been mentioned in the Forum but I am not a user so have not taken much notice.
Hope this helps.
